Aspirin is not just for headaches

We know that millions of people suffer from headaches. We also know they reach for Bayer Aspirin. But there's more to Aspirin than a throbbing headache. This week, what many people don't know about the multiple benefits of this painkiller. And how it saves lives.

ASPIRIN AND OVARIAN CANCER: Early cancer of the ovary is extremely difficult to diagnose. This all too often results in a fatal outcome. Now a report from the Society of Gynecological Oncologists claims that women who take Aspirin three or more times a week for at least six months have decreased their risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 40%.

ASPIRIN AND HEART DISEASE: Dr. Charles Hennekens, a Harvard researcher, studied 22,000 healthy male doctors. Half of the physicians took a 325 milligram (mg) tablet of Aspirin every other day. The others took a placebo pill. Five years later, those who took Aspirin had 44% fewer heart attacks. Another study of 90,000 nurses who took at least one to six Aspirins a week had a 25% decrease in heart attacks. It's believed this dramatic decrease is due to Aspirin's ability to keep blood platelets well-oiled, making them less likely to stick together and form a blood clot.

Today, many doctors prescribe Aspirin to healthy patients to avoid coronary attack. Some physicians suggest that 50 years of age is a good time to start low dose enteric-coated Aspirin (81 mg) daily. But always check with your doctor. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause stomach irritation and, on occasion, bleeding.

Low-dose Aspirin is even more valuable for middle-aged patients who have at least one risk factor for heart disease (for instance, if there's a family history of heart disease before 55 years of age). Or if they smoke, have diabetes, hypertension or elevated blood cholesterol.

Patients who have already suffered a coronary attack lessen their chance of a second one by 20% when they take Aspirin. For those who have unstable angina (coronary pain at rest) Aspirin decreases the risk of heart attack by an astonishing 50%.

Suppose you're not taking Aspirin and feel great, but suddenly have a heart attack? Studies show that if you chew two adult Aspirins immediately, the risk of imminent death decreases by 25%. Not bad odds when the grim reaper is knocking on your door.

ASPIRIN AND STROKE: Aspirin is also a life-saver for patients who have a high risk of stroke, the third leading cause of death. In males, it decreases the risk of a second stroke by 48%. In women, by 31%. Aspirin did increase the number of strokes due to rupture of a blood vessel, but the overall picture showed more benefit than loss.

ASPIRIN AND DIABETES: Today, there's an unparalleled epidemic of diabetes. In North America, every 45 seconds, a new diabetic is diagnosed and they're much more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). All the more reason for taking daily Aspirin. Too many people have not heard this news. A study from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta revealed that only 20% were using Aspirin. Another study showed that 51% were not taking Aspirin. This is a serious error, since CVD is associated with kidney failure, blindness and gangrene of the legs.

ASPIRIN AND TYLENOL: A study showed that 7% of patients who had suffered a coronary were taking Tylenol thinking it would help prevent another attack. Tylenol is a good painkiller but, unlike Aspirin, it is not effective in preventing blood clots.

ASPIRIN AND COLON CANCER: In 1998, an Australian epidemiologist reported that people who took Aspirin had a 40% lower risk of developing cancer of the large bowel. Twelve other studies have confirmed this finding.

ASPIRIN AND ADDICTION: Unlike some pain relievers, Aspirin is not an opiate. It is therefore not addictive or habit-forming.

ASPIRIN AND MIGRAINE: Dr. Anne MacGregor of the City of London, England, Migraine Clinic says that Aspirin eases migraine attack just as well as high-powered medications. She prescribes three 325 mg Aspirins dissolved in water. To be repeated in two hours if needed.